Health Consequences of the Massive Floods: Immediate and Long Term

Abstract

Kerala is a narrow strip of land about 500 kms long extending from Kaliyikkavila in the south to Manjeswaram in the north extending from the Western Ghats to the Arabian Sea about 150 kms broad. It has varied topographical features from the mountainous terrain to the hilly and flat plains. The state receives heavy rainfall approximately 200 cms yearly spread across two monsoons the South West beginning May end to September and the North Eastern from October to mid-December is drained by 44 rivers that take the water rapidly to the sea. Numerous dams harness these waters for generation of electricity, irrigation, flood control and water supply. Since time immemorial this state had protection from major natural disasters like floods, earthquakes and cyclones and manmade disasters like war and major communal flare-ups.